What's the Point of MacStumbler?

Amie

Amie

Mac Convert for Life
I recently installed MacStumbler, but I'm finding that all the networks that it detects are also detected by my AirPort icon in the drop-down menu. So: What's the point of an application like MacStumbler if AirPort detects everything anyway?...
 
I just glanced at the screenshot of the software. It looks like it displays things about the wireless networks that the AirPort dropdown does not. If you don't want to use a standalone app to get this kind of information about local wireless networks, you can try a widget that's available. It's doesn't look like it gives you everything that this software does, but it may be all you need, and you can keep it in Dashboard for quick and easy access.

The name of the widget is AirTrafficControl.
 
Also if I recall correctly I think it can detect closed networks. That is those networks that are not actively announcing themselves.
 
Yes, it is used by some war-drivers (though many would prefer to use KisMac) to find networks (open or closed) and then hack into the barely closed ones to (primarily) get free internet.
 
Hmmm. I don't think so. My AirPort seems to detect all (open and closed) networks. Like I said, regardless of where I'm at, so far all networks that MacStumbler has detected, have also been detected by AirPort. Some are WEP-encrypted and some are not password-protected ... and both AirPort and MacStumbler show them all.
 
This is only if you KNOW what the hidden name is. Otherwise, the Airport software won't know that the non-broadcasting network is available. I've had to manually put in the network ID name (known as the SSID) after I've told the Airport to not broadcast the SSID. Once it knows the name (and possibly the encryption key if necessary), then the Airport software should see it from there on in (unless the ID or encryption key is changed).

MacStumbler/NetStumbler can detect hidden networks without even being told about them. I don't necesarily know off the bat how it does it, but it does. This is the reason that just hiding the SSID or even using a weak encryption key isn't enough to truly secure your wireless network.
 
nixgeek said:
This is only if you KNOW what the hidden name is. Otherwise, the Airport software won't know that the non-broadcasting network is available. I've had to manually put in the network ID name (known as the SSID) after I've told the Airport to not broadcast the SSID. Once it knows the name (and possibly the encryption key if necessary), then the Airport software should see it from there on in (unless the ID or encryption key is changed).

MacStumbler/NetStumbler can detect hidden networks without even being told about them. I don't necesarily know off the bat how it does it, but it does. This is the reason that just hiding the SSID or even using a weak encryption key isn't enough to truly secure your wireless network.
Click to expand...
LOL

I think you're missing my point. I understand all that. But what I'm saying is: If AirPort detects *all* networks that MacStumbler detects (and it does because, regardless of the type of network or location that I'm in, both AirPort and MacStumbler detect/show the *same exact* networks, known and/or unknown) ... then what is the point of MacStumbler???

Do you understand what I'm saying here? I don't tell AirPort *anything* about these networks, it just automatically detects them, just like MacStumbler.

By the way, I just sent you an IM. You're out to lunch. Enjoy! Talk to ya later... :)
 
Amie said:
LOL

I think you're missing my point. I understand all that. But what I'm saying is: If AirPort detects *all* networks that MacStumbler detects (and it does because, regardless of the type of network or location that I'm in, both AirPort and MacStumbler detect/show the *same exact* networks, known and/or unknown) ... then what is the point of MacStumbler???
Click to expand...
Perhaps you just haven't come across any networks that MacStumbler would detect that the AirPort wouldn't?
 
ElDiabloConCaca said:
Perhaps you just haven't come across any networks that MacStumbler would detect that the AirPort wouldn't?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I thought about that. I guess it's definitely possible. It just seems unlikely though, as I've tried it in a lot of different areas. Ah well.
 
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